Job Discussion Forums

Dktr_sus · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Waimanalo, Hawai'i

I am packing to travel this year, and I have a small window ($) that allows me to consider different possibilities.

I taught ESL back in '89 before I got my MA. I had also tutored/taught at risk teens, k-12, adults, preschool, etc. After my MA I taught college for 12 years (at a two-year school in Honolulu: English, Humanities, Env. sci, Computer applications, HTML - I had to be pretty versatile in the small college). One disadvantage now may be my age - 59.

Before I take off I want to make sure I have prepared well enough to teach (anything? anyone?) while I travel. I am not putting any limit on my time or country of choice (except it has to be warm if it is a long term residence). I am leaning toward Central America, Turkey or India at the moment. I will be traveling through EU since my sister lives there, but am not hopeful about work there. I am also gathering other kinds of certs that interest me and may be useful (CPR, PADI - scuba, art, etc.)

Here are my basic questions (at the moment):

- Should I get a 'quickie' TEFL certification here before I go (http://www.oxfordseminars.com/Pages/Teach/teach_outline.php ) or should I wait and take CELTA somewhere where it is cheaper (maybe even paid for by employer)?

- Would it be better to get a contract before traveling, or take my chances on the road?

- Could I live well enough 'patching' together a couple of part-time teaching jobs or are there Visa/regulations that will make that impossible/difficult?

I basically am starting a new life - I don't intend to work myself to death. But this is a time of giving back. I want to learn, grow, volunteer, share and explore as I travel.

Chancellor

Dktr_sus · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Waimanalo, Hawai'i

Thank you for your answer. I hope you don't mind if I ask more; I'm a bit confused about how this fits my situation.

In brief, you say the "minimum standard' is 100-120 hours. Is that an international standard? Do you advise against the TEFL (quickie certificate from Oxford - 60 hrs.) because it is rejected/ignored by employers (and/or for a visa)?? Or do you advise against it because of the overall sub-quality - i.e., that the Oxford would lack coverage of material and the focus on building classroom skills (and thereby leave me unprepared)?

I don't mean to be arrogant. I am well aware of the complexity of teaching EFL. But, I am simply not interested in getting another degree or in extending myself too much before I hit the road -- I have spent my life in multi-cultural environments, have studied learning theories/curriculum design in depth, and have over 15 years classroom experience (albeit only one year of specific ESL teaching). I'd love to go the longer route (CELTA), but the cost seems high for my purposes. My best hope is to find an employer down the road who would be willing to invest in my CELTA certification.

I'm just wondering if the TEFL will even be recognized/accepted if I get it before I go. I am a seasoned educator and I would like to use my skills now. I do realize that means I may well have to begin at 'entry level' (especially since I am not interested in administration)

P.S. I know I would love Toronto, but it doesn't qualify as a 'warm' country <grin> ... a major requirement for my travel.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:15 pm Post subject:

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:19 pm Post subject:

Dktr_sus · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Waimanalo, Hawai'i

I really appreciate this information, Chancellor. This helps me plan for my trip. I think I will take my chances and then get the certification while I am traveling (once I have found the place I want to work). I know it means I may have to take more challenging jobs at first, but I am willing to do that so that my options are more open ended.

Mahalo nui!